From the Breviary according to the use of the Roman Curia, 1529, the continuation of the sermon for the fifth day in the Octave of All Saints:
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The blessed Martyrs of Christ, armed with the shield of the true faith and girt with the armor of God, had charity as their weapons against the traps of the devil; they set against him patience as their wall, truth as their shield. Those whom outwardly they rebuked for their perfidy, as they patiently bore with them, inwardly they lovingly helped with their prayers, they might be saved from the coming wrath, admonishing them, that they might grow wise to the snares of the devil, by which they were held captive, and be converted to Christ, the true God, whose faith and worship they persecuted. But those whose salvation the martyrs sought, laid impious hands upon sheep most meek, dragging them off to guards, and kings and governors, and torments for the sake of Christ’s name; and strengthened by Him, they were immediately crowned.
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| A procession of virgin-martyrs holding their crowns, from the Basilica of Sant’ Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, ca 520 A.D. |